60 Strange Things Americans Think Are Normal, But Actually Very Weird

In the tapestry of American culture, woven with diverse threads of tradition, habit, and societal norms, many things are accepted as commonplace. But when you take a closer look, you see that much of US society tends to be oblivious to their ‘Aermcicanisms.’ These so called ‘Americanisms’ may seem like normal occurrences to the average citizen, but on a global scale, they’re just plain odd. Here are 60 Strange Things Americans Think Are Normal, But Actually Very Weird.

Superiority Complex: Belief in Cultural Hegemony

Holding onto a belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own country despite lacking firsthand knowledge of other cultures seems normal. But it’s strange when you consider the diversity and complexity of global societies.

Matrimonial Extravagance: The Wedding Industry Craze

The tradition of spending exorbitant amounts of money on weddings. Often, going into debt for a single day of celebration may be commonplace, but it’s a peculiar cultural phenomenon when examined objectively. While Americans aren’t alone on this one, there are plenty of cultures around the world where a modest, budget-friendly wedding is the norm.

Pharmaceutical Promotion: The Peculiarity of Prescription Ads

The normalization of prescription drug commercials on television, complete with rapid-fire lists of side effects, is accepted without question. Yet it’s unusual compared to many other countries where such advertising is restricted or prohibited.

Shoe Indoors: Cultural Norm or Puzzling Practice?

The widespread acceptance of wearing shoes indoors, tracking in dirt and germs from outside, seems normal. Whereas in fact, it’s a custom that perplexes many from cultures where shoes are strictly removed at the door.

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Supersized Meals: America’s Portion Predicament

The obsession with supersizing meals at fast-food restaurants, resulting in excessive portions and overconsumption, is considered routine, yet it reflects a peculiar aspect of American food culture. America as a whole may become more self-aware of this, but its prevalence is still there.

The Smile Standard: Authenticity vs. Expectation

The social expectation to constantly smile, even in situations where one may not genuinely feel happy, is deeply ingrained. But it can appear strange to those from cultures where emotions are expressed more subtly.

Car Culture: The American Autonomy Obsession

The reliance on the automobile for daily transportation, even for short distances, is seen as practical, but it’s an anomaly when compared to countries with robust public transportation systems and walkable cities.

Individualism Over Community: A Cultural Dichotomy

The emphasis on individualism and self-reliance, often to the point of neglecting community support systems, is deeply entrenched in American society, yet it contrasts with the collectivist values found in many other cultures.

Commercializing Education: The Presence of Ads in Schools

The normalization of advertising in schools, from sponsored educational materials to corporate logos on sports equipment, is largely unquestioned. However, it raises concerns about the commercialization of education.

Tipping Tradition: Gratuity or Wage Supplement?

The ritual of tipping service workers as a supplement to their wages, rather than paying them a living wage directly, is widely practiced, yet it’s a unique aspect of American service culture.

Black Friday Frenzy: Consumerism’s Annual Madness

The tradition of Black Friday shopping. Marked by frenzied crowds and sometimes aggressive behavior, is considered a normal part of holiday festivities. Yet, it’s a bizarre phenomenon when viewed from outside the consumerist culture.

Celebrity Worship: The Cult of Fame

The phenomenon of celebrity worship. Elevating individuals to near-deity status for their fame and wealth, is pervasive, yet it’s a curious aspect of American popular culture.

Workaholic Nation: Balancing Act or Burnout?

The normalization of excessive work hours and limited vacation time, often without adequate rest or work-life balance, is ingrained in American corporate culture. However, it’s viewed as peculiar by those from countries with more generous labor laws.

Taboo Topics: Navigating Conversation Minefields

The widespread fear of discussing topics such as politics or religion in polite company, to avoid conflict, is considered polite etiquette, but it reflects a peculiar avoidance of important discussions.

Presidential Pardons: Turkey Tales in American Tradition

The tradition of Thanksgiving turkey pardoning by the President. A lighthearted event that spares a single bird from slaughter, is accepted as a quirky tradition, but it’s a uniquely American spectacle.

Hustle Culture: The Myth of Constant Productivity

The obsession with constant productivity and the glorification of “hustle culture,” often at the expense of mental and physical well-being, is normalized. Yet it’s a peculiar aspect of the American work ethic.

Air Conditioning Addiction: Comfort or Excess?

The prevalence of using air conditioning to maintain cool indoor temperatures, even in mild climates, is seen as a comfort necessity, but it’s unusual compared to cultures that embrace natural ventilation and adapt to seasonal changes.

Busy Bee Syndrome: The Cult of Over-Scheduling

The cultural phenomenon of placing a high value on busyness and over-scheduling. Equating it with success and productivity is widespread, yet it’s a peculiar aspect of American lifestyle.

Coffee on the Go: A Nation Perpetually Caffeinated

The tradition of drinking coffee on the go, often in disposable cups, while rushing to work or appointments. It’s so ingrained that it’s hardly questioned, but it’s a unique aspect of American coffee culture.

Dessert Dedication: Sweets After Every Meal

Eating dessert after every meal, including breakfast, is considered normal. Yet it’s a curious culinary habit that sets American dining customs apart from many other cultures.

Materialism Mayhem: The Allure of Possessions

The obsession with owning and displaying vast collections of material possessions, often regardless of their practical utility. This is deeply rooted in American consumer culture, but it’s viewed as excessive by many outside observers.

Sports Spectacle: The Theater of Athletic Allegiance

The fascination with professional sports, including elaborate team rivalries and fervent fan loyalty, is a staple of American entertainment. Yet, it’s a peculiar cultural phenomenon when compared to other forms of leisure.

Birthday Extravagance: Celebrating Another Year

The tradition of publicly acknowledging birthdays with elaborate celebrations and gift-giving rituals is widespread, but it’s a cultural custom that varies significantly across different societies.

Fast Fashion Frenzy: Style at a Steep Cost

The normalization of “fast fashion.” Characterized by cheaply made clothing produced at a rapid pace, is accepted as a convenient way to keep up with trends. However, it raises concerns about environmental sustainability and labor exploitation.

Sweet and Savory: The American Palate’s Paradox

The practice of adding sweet flavors to savory dishes, such as bacon with maple syrup or sweet barbecue sauce on meat. This is a culinary tradition that may seem normal, but it’s viewed as unusual by many outside American cuisine.

Educational Debt Dilemma: Investing in the Future or Financial Burden?

The expectation for college students to incur substantial debt in pursuit of higher education. Often leading to financial burden for years to come, is seen as a necessary investment, yet it’s a peculiar aspect of the American education system.

Youth Obsession: The Cult of Eternal Vigor

The cultural emphasis on youth and physical appearance, often prioritizing cosmetic enhancements and anti-aging treatments, is pervasive in American society. In contrast, it’s viewed as superficial by many from other cultures.

Flag Fever: Patriotic Displays in American Life

The tradition of displaying the American flag in front of homes and businesses, sometimes accompanied by elaborate flag etiquette, is a symbol of patriotism. However, it’s a practice that sets the U.S. apart from many other countries.

Snacking Nation: Grazing Through the Day

The normalization of constant snacking throughout the day, often on processed and unhealthy foods, is seen as a routine part of American eating habits, yet it’s a peculiar dietary pattern compared to cultures with structured meal times.

Moving Out: The American Rite of Passage

The expectation for children to move out of their parents’ homes upon reaching adulthood. Often in their late teens or early twenties, is considered a rite of passage, but it’s a cultural norm that differs from multigenerational living arrangements in other societies.

Sandy Shoes: A Beach Behavior Anomaly

The tradition of wearing shoes on the beach or in other sandy environments rather than going barefoot. This is considered normal for hygiene and comfort, but it’s viewed as peculiar by those accustomed to beach cultures where bare feet are the norm.

Plastic Predicament: Straws and Single-Use Plastics

The widespread acceptance of using plastic straws and utensils for single-use purposes. Contributing to environmental pollution is seen as convenient, yet it’s a practice that’s increasingly questioned for its impact on the planet.

Smartphone Surrender: Constant Connectivity Conundrum

The cultural expectation for individuals to always be reachable and responsive via smartphones, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life, is seen as necessary in a connected world, but it’s viewed as intrusive by those who prioritize offline time.

Debt Dependency: Living Beyond Means

The normalization of extensive personal debt. From credit cards to student loans, as a means of financing lifestyles and education is accepted as part of the American financial system. Yet it’s a phenomenon that’s often criticized for its long-term consequences.

Halloween Hijinks: Trick-or-Treating Tradition

The tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween, where children dress in costumes and solicit candy from neighbors. It’s a beloved ritual, but it’s a curious custom when viewed from cultures unfamiliar with the holiday.

Politeness Protocol: Gratitude for Gadgets

The cultural expectation for individuals to smile and say “thank you” to automated systems such as ATMs and self-checkout machines is seen as polite behavior. Whereas it’s an unusual interaction in the realm of technology.

Conspicuous Consumption: Flaunting Affluence

The normalization of conspicuous consumption. Flaunting wealth through luxury goods and extravagant displays, is prevalent in American society, yet it’s viewed as ostentatious by many from more reserved cultures.

Thanksgiving Traditions: Sweet and Savory Feasts

The tradition of serving Thanksgiving dinner with a variety of sweet dishes alongside savory ones. One example is sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Considered a comforting tradition, but it’s a culinary combination that can be perplexing to those from other cultures.

True Crime Fascination: Entertainment or Exploitation?

The cultural fascination with true crime stories, from documentaries to podcasts, often sensationalizing real tragedies, is a popular form of entertainment. In contrast, it’s viewed as morbid by some outside observers.

Public Pajamas: Comfort Meets Convenience

The normalization of wearing pajamas in public, from running errands to grabbing coffee, is accepted as a form of comfort and convenience. But it’s a practice that may seem odd to those from cultures with stricter dress codes.

Political Polarization: The Divisive State of American Discourse

Political polarization has become so entrenched in American society that it’s considered normal for individuals to align strictly with one political ideology and vilify the other side. This deep division has led to gridlock in governance and strained interpersonal relationships, highlighting the profound strangeness of a nation deeply divided along ideological lines.

Self-Improvement Obsession: The Pursuit of Perfection

The cultural expectation for individuals to constantly pursue self-improvement and personal development through books, seminars, and workshops is seen as aspirational. However, it’s a phenomenon that can border on obsessive in American society.

Gender Reveal Extravaganza: Joyous or Over-the-Top?

The normalization of gender reveal parties, where expectant parents announce the sex of their unborn child with elaborate festivities. Initially accepted as a joyful celebration, it’s a cultural trend that’s come under scrutiny for its extravagance and potential environmental impact.

Breakfast Blends: Cereal and Milk Mornings

The tradition of eating cold cereal with milk for breakfast. Often as a quick and convenient meal, is a staple of American morning routines, but it’s a culinary choice that may seem strange to those from cultures with different breakfast traditions.

Pursuit of Perfection: The American Ideal

The cultural expectation for individuals to constantly strive for perfection in their appearance, behavior, and achievements is deeply ingrained in American society. But it’s viewed as unrealistic and damaging by many from other cultures.

Extreme Weather Normalcy: Accepting Nature’s Fury

The normalization of extreme weather events. From hurricanes to wildfires, as routine occurrences in certain regions of the country is accepted as part of living in the U.S., but it’s viewed as unsettling by those from areas with more stable climates.

Plate Protocol: Leaving Leftovers Behind

The tradition of leaving a small amount of food on one’s plate after a meal to indicate satiety, rather than finishing everything, is considered polite behavior. Yet it’s a cultural custom that may seem wasteful to those from cultures where food scarcity is a concern.

Celebrity Surveillance: Peering into Personal Lives

The cultural obsession with celebrities’ personal lives, from their relationships to their fashion choices, is a staple of American tabloid culture, yet it’s viewed as invasive and trivial by many from other societies.

Superficial Small Talk: How Are You, Really?

The normalization of greeting strangers with a friendly “How are you?” without expecting or providing genuine answers is seen as polite small talk. In contrast, it’s a social convention that can be perplexing to those from cultures where such inquiries are reserved for close acquaintances.

Sweet Beverage Standard: Sugar in Every Sip

The tradition of serving sugary beverages, such as soda and sweet tea, with meals as a default option is considered normal in American dining culture. It’s a dietary habit that contributes to health concerns such as obesity and diabetes.

Multitasking Mania: Juggling Too Many Tasks

The cultural expectation for individuals to constantly multitask, juggling multiple responsibilities and activities simultaneously, is seen as necessary in a fast-paced society. It’s viewed as overwhelming and unsustainable by many from other cultures.

Reality TV Realm: Drama Overload or Guilty Pleasure?

The normalization of reality television, featuring contrived conflicts and melodrama, as a form of entertainment is accepted as a guilty pleasure. However, some outside observers view it as shallow and sensationalist.

Buffet Behavior: Serving Styles and Social Norms

The tradition of serving food buffet-style at gatherings and events. Allowing guests to serve themselves freely is considered convenient and casual, but it’s a cultural practice that may seem unstructured or unsanitary to those from more formal dining cultures.

Work-Life Imbalance: Sacrificing Well-being for Success

The cultural expectation for individuals to prioritize work commitments over personal well-being. Sacrificing sleep and leisure time for career advancement is seen as a hallmark of dedication. But in fact, it’s viewed as unhealthy and unsustainable by many from other cultures.

24/7 Convenience: Indulgence or Excess?

The normalization of 24/7 access to convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. Allowing for late-night indulgences and impulse purchases is accepted as part of American consumer culture. Whereas it’s viewed as excessive by some from more regulated societies.

Graduation Galas: Celebrating Milestones in Style

The tradition of celebrating high school graduation with elaborate ceremonies and parties. Often involving expensive gifts and celebrations is considered a milestone event, but it’s a cultural custom that varies significantly across different societies.

Grooming Obsession: Hygiene or Excessive Vanity?

The cultural obsession with personal hygiene and grooming. From daily showers to extensive skincare routines, it is deeply ingrained in American society. But some from more minimalist cultures view it as excessive and indulgent.

Workplace Hierarchy: Authority and Obedience

The normalization of workplace hierarchies and power dynamics. Where authority figures are often unquestioned, and subordinates are expected to comply without question. This is accepted as part of corporate culture, yet some from more egalitarian societies view it as stifling and oppressive.

Greeting Card Tradition: Paper Sentiments in a Digital World

The tradition of sending holiday greeting cards to friends and family, often accompanied by personalized messages and family photos, is considered a thoughtful gesture. Still, it’s a cultural practice that’s increasingly replaced by digital communication in the age of technology.

Productivity Pursuit: The Perils of Maximization

The cultural expectation for individuals to constantly strive for productivity and efficiency, maximizing output in every aspect of life, is seen as a virtue in American society, yet it’s viewed as exhausting and dehumanizing by many from other cultures.

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